Chinese Canadian Archive
A community-built archive maintained by Toronto Public Library.
We collect items in English and Chinese languages which reflect the Chinese Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area. Items record the activities and community involvement of individuals and families. Includes:
- photos, slides, drawings and paintings
- books, letters, diaries, study notes and calligraphy
- identifications, records and certificates (from governments, businesses and associations)
Plan your visit
Using the archive
A rotating display of archive materials can be seen in the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre.
To access items, you simply need to fill out a brief form and show one piece of identification when you arrive.
Items can only be viewed in the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre.
Location
Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). 5th floor. Inside the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre.
Hours
- Monday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Class or group visits
Contact us to schedule a talk about the collection.
Contact
Finding aids
We have online finding aids, as well as print versions in the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre.
History of collection
2016
Toronto Public Library launches the Chinese Canadian Archive.
2018
The archive wins the Heritage Toronto Award for Public History.
A rotating display of archive materials is created in the Marilyn & Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre.
2019
From August 17 to October 27, the TD Gallery at the Toronto Reference Library features the exhibit, Plum Blossom from the Bitter Cold: Selections from the Chinese Canadian Archive.
Donate
We consider donations of personal, family and business items that tell the story of Chinese Canadians living, working, creating and leading in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Contact us for more information: trlspc@tpl.ca or 416-393-7156